Muncie, IND.; News of Local 23, Minot Holmes now superintendent, Ralph Huff general foreman, old flint house torn down and replaced

MUNCIE, IND.

By J. W. Claspell.

Everything is moving along nicely at the Hemingray plant, with most of the brothers getting in full time.

The company is fixing up another tank, and expects to have it ready for operation soon. It is only a matter of guess work among the brothers as to what will be made on the new tank, but some of them seem to think it will be something besides insulators.

Many are the changes that are taking place at the Hemingray plant. The Ellingwood brothers and Clayton Bartling have gone. Mr. Mynute Homes [sic] Minot Holmes is now superintendent. Mr. Ralph Huff is general foreman on day turn. Harry McDonald is back on the job once more, but not in his former position.

The old buildings are fast disappearing; the No. 1 building of wood and sheet iron has been torn down and replaced by an up-to-date building of steel and asbestos, absolutely fireproof; with ventilators that work automatically with the wind. If the wind is from the west the ventilators open eastward and vise versa, thereby causing a sort of suction or draft from west to east, which has a tendency to draw the heat up and out of the factory. Concrete walks and driveways are fast replacing those of cinder; automatic lehrs are now in operation and the clanging of the old circular saw lehr bell no longer arouses the sleepy sorter from his ever frequent cat naps. Taken all in all this will be a real factory soon.

Many brothers thought the trade will no doubt be surprised to learn that Brother Cyrus Herron has taken the job as night foreman. Brother Herron served long and faithfully as executive officer for Local Union No. 23 and was undoubtedly the best man in that position that ever served No. 23. He was well qualified for that position. Broad minded, far sighted, level headed and a diplomat of no mean ability, always ready to listen to a suggestion from any source, weighing carefully all such before deciding, but when he decided he had the moral courage to stand by his decision regardless of anything that was said or done. His sound judgment and wise council will be sadly missed in the deliberations of No. 23. Local Union No. 23 extended to Brother Herron a rising vote of thanks and confidence, granted him a withdrawal card and wished him all the success possible at their September meeting. Brother Bernard Cummings was elected corresponding secretary to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of Brother Herron.

Brother Chas. McCarthy is laid up with a broken toe, a heavy mould fell on it.

Well, guess I will ring off now or I'll be accused of trying to beat Brother Joe Elliot as the champion hot air guy of No. 23.